FDA WARNING_LETTER - Tejas Industries Inc. - January 14, 2010

On December 2, 2009, an FDA sample of Merrick Beef Filet Squares, manufactured by Tejas Industries Inc.'s Plainview facility and repackaged by its Hereford facility, tested positive for *Salmonella meleagridis*. Subsequent FDA inspections on December 28-31, 2009, and January 13-14, 2010, at both Texas facilities, confirmed the pet treats were adulterated under sections 402(a)(1) and 402(a)(4) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 342(a)(1) and 342(a)(4)).

The inspections revealed insanitary conditions and uncontrolled manufacturing processes. Tejas Industries Inc. lacked evidence that their processes eliminate pathogens like *Salmonella*, failing to consistently monitor critical factors such as time and temperature. They also could not demonstrate prevention of post-processing recontamination or provide adequate details of their in-house sampling and testing program.

While the firm initiated a voluntary recall on January 11, 2010, its effectiveness was questioned due to delayed public communication (after an FDA Health Alert on January 14, 2010), inconsistent lot coding in recall communications (9323 vs. 9333 on some bags), and failure to identify the specific hazard (Salmon